Allen West open to Rubio challenge

Former Rep. Allen West on Wednesday didn’t rule out a future primary challenge to Sen. Marco Rubio.

“As I have always said, I will serve this country in whatever capacity I possibly can,” West said on WMAL radio on Wednesday, when pressed as to whether he would challenge Rubio (R-Fla.) in 2016. “My most important concern is my country. If I see people that are not taking our country down the right path, if I see people that are not standing up for the right type of principles, and putting their own party politics before what is best for the United States of America.”

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West, a firebrand Republican from the Sunshine State, then pivoted to expressing concerns with immigration legislation, in which Rubio is a key player. During the interview, he was asked several times when he would consider challenging Rubio.

“That’s a pretty heavy lift, because you’re talking about running against a sitting senator, and then, of course, that creates that schism that the other side would love to see happen,” he said, when initially asked the question. When pushed further, he rejoined, “Chirping…chirping…chirping…” with a laugh.

“We’ll see what happens down the pike, God will set my feet down the right path,” West added later.